More than 10 years ago, NENA recognized the effects that the impending transition to IP-based access networks and originating services will have on consumers and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). Since then, NENA and its contributing volunteers from across the public safety, carrier, and service provider communities have worked diligently to anticipate the emergency communication needs of consumers in an all-IP world, and to establish standards that will allow our disparate communities to work together to meet those needs. NENA is therefore pleased that the Task Force has initiated this proceeding to accelerate the IP transition.

In NENA’s view, successful trials will have three common characteristics: First, they will protect consumer access to reliable and high-quality emergency communications capabilities during their terms. Second, they will provide data on technological, operational, and legal barriers to NG9-1-1 implementation. Third, successful trials will provide guidance as to the protections – both regulatory and competitive – that will be needed by consumers and 9-1-1 authorities as the IP transition moves beyond a trial phase. Bearing in mind these three measures of success, NENA is convinced that the Task Force can execute a series of valuable trials that will, ultimately, pave the way for a complete transition from legacy analog service to all-IP service for consumers, businesses, and the public safety community.